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Steering Column - Baffling Wiring

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Old May 11, 2011 | 05:37 PM
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Default Steering Column - Baffling Wiring

I am replacing all the wires on my 75. Bubba did some fun stuff

I have gotten (all the way) to the steering column and discovered the Gems below. The wire loom/connector coming out of the new Lectric Limited wiring harness is completely different than the one coming out of the steering column. The Lectric Limited one matches exactly the existing wiring harness. There is then a black wire only adapter of some sort between the existing connector and the connector from the steering column.

What happened here?
How scared should I be?

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Old May 14, 2011 | 04:06 PM
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I am still lost/stuck on this...anyone have any ideas / guesses?
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Old May 14, 2011 | 04:46 PM
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I usually use the connector from the old turn signal switch.
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Old May 15, 2011 | 07:24 AM
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Are you sure the column in your car is original? Only a guess, but from the looks of that adapter, someone built it to jump from the original harness to a column of a different year.
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Old May 15, 2011 | 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by ...Roger...
I usually use the connector from the old turn signal switch.
Paragon,you might be able to switch the black connector on the adapter for the white connector on the turn signal switch and do away with the adapter.
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Old May 15, 2011 | 08:46 AM
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That was the GM fix all turn signal switch. Gm replaced the original switch with a different one that had more applications... which also forced you to purchase a jumper harness.

You should be fine, aside from the ugly jumper.

Willcox
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Old May 15, 2011 | 10:00 AM
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Willcox, thanks! I can handle an ugly adapter tucked under the dash. My biggest concern is/was fire and functionality. More of the latter less of the former.
Does the signal switch mean I have a non-75 steering column in there or just that the turn signal switch is changed out?

Roger I could, but I want to ensure i don't screw it up, so for now I'll leave it as is!

I have no idea what mods the previous owner has put into this car, the more I dig, the more I find that isn't quite right...

SS
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Old May 15, 2011 | 03:23 PM
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I wouldn't worry about it.. I believe (and I have a note on this at the store but not here) but the switch 1997988 for the non tele column cars had to used this jumper. It was not a mod, but rather a GM replacement part issue. You know.. make one to fit multiple cars. We used to just un-pin the original connector and put the wires back in it. Thus by-passing the need for a jumper.
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Old May 15, 2011 | 06:17 PM
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That harness is GM not "Bubba" it was in a 72 Vette I did some steering column work on a while ago. I think you could purchase a new turn signal switch and get rid of the adapter with the right part.
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Old May 16, 2011 | 07:28 AM
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Here is how you want to disengage and remove the individual switch wires and metal contacts from the plastic “harmonica” connector.

Straighten a heavy paper clip or use a very thin blade screwdriver. Insert it into the "harmonica" connector from the contact side to disengage each wire and contact. There should be a small molded square channel in the connector that will guide you to a metal tang on the contact that holds it in place. Once you depress the tang and pop the wire and contact out of the connector, you should take a small knife blade and bend the tang back out so that it will engage the connector correctly upon reinstallation.

Make note of the wire colors and position so you are sure that you reinsert the wires and connectors in the correct order.

Jim
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Old Jul 3, 2011 | 04:37 PM
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Default switching

I just did the same thing. Took me every bit of five minutes to switch wires to other plastic piece. I used a fork, i know not the best but i did not feel like walking out to garage.

the reason i did this is because i had to replace the turn switch. I purchased the switch from autozone and the harnesses would not plug in. I am sure you could buy the switch with wiring harness that will plug right in but the cheapest i found this was 110 instead of 30 from autozone.
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